Causes of Hemochromatosis

List of causes of Hemochromatosis

Following is a list of causes or underlying conditions (see also Misdiagnosis of underlying causes of Hemochromatosis) that could possibly cause Hemochromatosis includes:

• Hereditary hemochromatosis
• Vitamin C overuse
• Blood transfusions
• Iron injections
• Iron supplements

Causes of Hemochromatosis: Online Medical Books

16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the causes of Hemochromatosis.

Diabetes mellitus: Causes and incidence
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

DM affects an estimated 6% of the population of the United States, about half of whom are undiagnosed. Incidence is greater in females and rises with age. Type 2 accounts for 90% of cases.

In type 1 diabetes, pancreatic beta-cell destruction or a primary defect in beta-cell function results in failure to release insulin and ineffective glucose transport. Type 1 immune-mediated diabetes is caused by cell-mediated destruction of pancreatic beta cells. The rate of beta-cell destruction is usually higher in children than in adults. The idiopathic form of type 1 diabetes has no known cause. Patients with this form have no evidence of autoimmunity and don’t produce insulin.

In type 2 diabetes, beta cells release insulin, but receptors are insulin-resistant and glucose transport is variable and ineffective. Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include:

❑ obesity (even an increased percentage of body fat primarily in the abdominal region); risk decreases with weight and drug therapy

❑ lack of physical activity

❑ history of GDM

❑ hypertension

❑ Black, Hispanic, Pacific Islander, Asian American, Native American origin

❑ strong family history of diabetes

❑ older than age 45

❑ high-density lipoprotein cholesterol of less than 35 or triglyceride of greater than 250

❑ Seriously impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) test.

ELDER TIP As the body ages, the cells become more resistant to insulin, thus reducing the older adult’s ability to metabolize glucose. In addition, the release of insulin from the pancreatic beta cells is reduced and delayed. These combined processes result in hyperglycemia. In the older patient, sudden concentrations of glucose cause increased and more prolonged hyperglycemia.

The “other specific types” of DM result from various conditions (such as a genetic defect of the beta cells or endocrinopathies) or from use of or exposure to certain drugs or chemicals. GDM is considered present whenever a patient has any degree of abnormal glucose during pregnancy. This form may result from weight gain and increased levels of estrogen and placental hormones, which antagonize insulin.

Insulin transports glucose into the cell for use as energy and storage as glycogen. It also stimulates protein synthesis and free fatty acid storage in the fat deposits. Insulin deficiency compromises the body tissues’access to essential nutrients for fuel and storage.

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Diabetes mellitus: Causes
(Handbook of Diseases)

The effects of diabetes mellitus result from insulin deficiency. Insulin transports glucose into the cell for use as energy and storage as glycogen. It also stimulates protein synthesis and free fatty acid storage. Insulin deficiency or resistance compromises the body tissues’access to essential nutrients for fuel and storage.

Type 1A results from autoimmune beta-cell destruction, resulting in insulin deficiency. Type 1B leaves these immunologic markers but results in insulin deficiency and kerosis.

Other risk factors include the following:

❑ Obesity contributes to the resistance to endogenous insulin.

❑ Physiologic or emotional stress can cause prolonged elevation of stress hormone levels (cortisol, epinephrine, glucagon, and growth hormone). This raises blood glucose levels, which, in turn, places increased demands on the pancreas.

❑ Pregnancy causes weight gain and increases levels of estrogen and placental hormones, which antagonize insulin.

❑ Some medications can antagonize the effects of insulin, including thiazide diuretics, adrenal corticosteroids, and hormonal contraceptives.

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Hemochromatosis as a complication of other conditions:

Other conditions that might have Hemochromatosis as a complication may, potentially, be an underlying cause of Hemochromatosis. Our database lists the following as having Hemochromatosis as a complication of that condition:

• Overhydrated hereditary stomatocytosis

Hemochromatosis as a symptom:

Conditions listing Hemochromatosis as a symptom may also be potential underlying causes of Hemochromatosis. Our database lists the following as having Hemochromatosis as a symptom of that condition:

• Acquired idiopathic sideroblastic anaemia
• Dyserythropoietic anemia, congenital type 1
• Dyserythropoietic anemia, congenital type 2
• Finnish lethal neonatal metabolic syndrome
• X-linked sideroblastic anemia

Medications or substances causing Hemochromatosis:

The following drugs, medications, substances or toxins are some of the possible causes of Hemochromatosis as a symptom. This list is incomplete and various other drugs or substances may cause your symptoms. Always advise your doctor of any medications or treatments you are using, including prescription, over-the-counter, supplements, herbal or alternative treatments.

• Vitamin C - only in massive doses, increases iron uptake from food.
• Iron supplements
• Iron injections

Read more about medication causes of Hemochromatosis

What causes Hemochromatosis?

Causes: Hemochromatosis: There are several causes of haemochromotosis. However, the most common is a genetic defect (hereditary hemochromatosis) that is inherited from family history and thus you have it at birth. However, family members won't necessarily have it themselves, but be silent "carriers" who have some of the genes. Some people end up with the right mixture of genes and get HHC. But some people who even have the right (i.e. wrong) mixture of genes, still don't get HHC.
Healthy people usually absorb about 10 percent of the iron contained in the food they eat. People with hemochromatosis absorb about 20 percent. The body has no natural way to rid itself of excess iron, so extra iron is stored in body tissues, especially the liver, heart, and pancreas. (Source: excerpt from Hemochromatosis: NIDDK)

Medical news summaries relating to Hemochromatosis:

The following medical news items are relevant to causes of Hemochromatosis:

• Iron storage disorder
• Test for iron overload disease received FDA approval

Related information on causes of Hemochromatosis:

As with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. Further relevant information on causes of Hemochromatosis may be found in:

• Risk factors for Hemochromatosis
• Medications that may cause Hemochromatosis
• Hidden causes of Hemochromatosis